Money, Money, Money

Credit cards are not common in China, at least not here in Chongqing since is not a tourist town. People might pay with cash, but most use their phones to conduct transactions.

On our third day in country, Lucy took us to the bank. We could not use any of the local banks here in the neighborhood, so Mr. Lou and his sedan picked us up for a cross town trip to the bank.  Although we do not speak Chinese, it was clear that the first bank was not going to exchange money for foreigners. We walked to the bank next door where the answer was just as equivocally no, and then back to the first bank. At this point, we were a bit confused, but flexed our patience muscle and watched as Lucy opened up an account and was given a toothpaste tube as a premium. She was then able to take our cash and deposit it in her account. We cheerfully pulled out our US dollars and the clerk carefully examined each bill – not for counterfeit clues – but for wear and tear. Crisp bills with minute tears or creases - probably caused by the paperclip that had held them together – were quickly rejected as ‘no good.’  Fortunately, some of the bills found favor with the clerk. Back in the car Bob and Lucy used WeChat to transfer the money. 

The Captain’s food rationing decree is lifted. We are able to purchase provisions again.